FAMILIES in an area of Coventry dubbed "Beirut" say a plan to stamp out its problems with warden patrols does not go far enough.

Yesterday, the Evening Telegraph revealed that Four Closes in Ernesford Grange had been awarded #110,000 to employ three wardens for three years following a successful bid for regeneration funding by West Midlands Police.

The wardens will cover the James Galloway, George Robertson, Edward Bailey and William McKee closes from next spring.

However, despite the boost, homeowners in the Four Closes said efforts to tackle litter, anti-social behaviour and vandalism do not go far enough or tackle underlying problems.

Sunita Sabharwal, aged 32, who lives in William McKee Close with her four children, Charlie, aged 11, Kyle, aged 10, Kirsty, aged eight, and Mya, aged five months, says the situation is so bad that she plans to move back to Portsmouth. "What difference is it going to make?," she said.

"They need to do something for the kids, somewhere for them to go and to put money into the houses and gardens. They want to clear the area up and sort out the street lights.

"I've had kids doing their business in my garden and they've smashed down my shed."

She added: "The derelict garages have been knocked down, but look at the eyesore they've left behind. They've left big bricks and rubble. It's a danger to children."

Bessie McConnachie, of William McKee Close, said she welcomed any efforts to improve the area. Near her home is a burned-out car full of bricks from two demolished garages. "I'm not against anything that would be any help," she said.

"You get bother if the kids'

mothers come out, but when you get to 93 you mind your own business. It used to be nice around here when the homes were in one row."

A husband and wife in George Robertson Close, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals, said the estate had been allowed to deteriorate and blamed the council for its demise.

The man said: "It's not enough. If the police themselves are not enough, then I don't believe three wardens would be enough. On Wednesday we had a police officer come out four times.

"They (youngsters) need places to go to. There's a five-aside football stadium not far from here but the kids ripped the fences down."

He added that they have had "words and no deeds" from councillors who said they would address the situation.